Side Effects.

Pt.2

As daylight crept into the morning, with the sound of shuffling in a cold bed- Son Chaeyoung began to awaken. Her body felt chilled, the cool air giving her body a kiss as she laid quietly.

A shiver ran down her spine and the sudden sound of a yawn escaped her lips. Eyes fluttered open as there was a brief sound of shuffling outside of her door, prompting Chaeyoung to realize her roommate had awakened.

She quickly sat up, feeling her head as it met with a slight headache. She hadn't time to process it as she threw on underwear and a large hoodie, quickly opening the door.

The sound had caught the sights of her roommate who closed the refrigerator door and looked at Chaeyoung. The brown-haired girl blinked a few times, seeing her friend dressed up.

"Good morning Chaeyoung. When did you get home last night? Sorry I wasn't able to see you last night, I had already fallen asleep." The girl said with a smile.

Chaeyoung rubbed the nape of her neck and sat on the seat at the counter.

"Good morning Dahyun. I got home late. It was just one of those nights again and..." Chaeyoung's voice trailed off.

Dahyun bit her lip and lowered her head. She knew why Chaeyoung often snuck away. She was fighting countless battles, ones that Dahyun wished she could help fight alongside her, but she wasn't one to interfere into a fight that wasn't hers.

"Hey, why don't we go somewhere tonight? Remember that girl we met at the student center, Chou Tzuyu? She said she knew a girl that could take us to a club in the city. Does that sound fun?" Dahyun asked, hoping her invitation sparked an interest in her fellow Korean roommate.

Chaeyoung lowered her head. She contemplated on whether or not it was worth it.

"You know, it might save you." Dahyun said absentmindedly under her breath.

Chaeyoung lifted her head slightly. Save her? From what? Herself? Her thoughts? Her doubts?

"I'm just saying Chaeyoung. Maybe it won't save you from what you're facing. But for a moment you can forget to struggle, to fight, and be free from whatever is holding you back. That's okay, it's okay." Dahyun said in a softened tone.

She looked at Chaeyoung with a warm smile, reassuring her. Chaeyoung smiled back faintly and nodded. How does one deal with inner homophobia? How does one fight against the reality of what defines them?

"Okay. I'll go. We also need to go grocery shopping on Wednesday." Chaeyoung said, reminding her roommate.

The two had chosen to live in The Lofts, instead of a regular dorm room that provided a meal pass for the two at the cafeteria. Neither was bothered by the condition, since each could cook.

"Of course. I'm heading to my AP class but I'll see you at the student center later so we can meet up with Tzuyu?" Dahyun asked with a smile.

Chaeyoung nodded, not really knowing if that would truly happen. She seemed to be in her own world these days, running around downtown or to the beach.

Dancing at a club didn't sound too fun for her. But it would be a good distraction if anything. She only nodded to the other girl, prompting Dahyun to clap in excitement.

"I can't wait to go! I've been so excited over the idea of going to a club since we last hung out with that Minatozaki woman. Remember when she let us into her bar because she." Dahyun blushed and looked away.

"Because she found you attractive. I remember." Chaeyoung said softly. Dahyun cleared her throat.

"Human attraction is such a strange thing. But I know it's also beautiful. I didn't know I could be an ally to a community I'm not a part of, but it feels nice." Dahyun said.